Senior Peptide Chemist (PhD) - Perspective Therapeutics

Coralville, IA

About the Job

Objective

The Discovery Lab Peptide Senior Peptide Chemist is responsible for planning synthetic routes under direction of Discovery Lab Operations Manager, performing peptide synthesis, associated purification, and final product characterization techniques, and releasing lead compound candidates to the Discovery pipeline team for biological evaluation. Additionally, the position assists with the development efforts of bioanalytical methods in support of novel radiopharmaceuticals development. The Discovery Lab Senior Peptide Chemist is also responsible for assisting the Discovery Lab Operations Manager in making instrument purchasing recommendations to management along with assisting with the peptide synthesis instrumentation maintenance program utilized during the pre-clinical lead compound development. The position also assists in the implementation of the Peptide Synthesis QA program.

Essential Functions

Read, design, and conduct experiments to support the discovery and development of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals.
Assist the Discovery Lab Operations Manager and QA department in developing, implementing, and maintaining the Peptide Synthesis QA Program.
Develop and evaluate synthetic pathways, perform peptide synthesis, purification, and characterization of lead compound candidates under the supervision of the Discovery Laboratory Operations Manager.
Perform small molecule synthesis of modified or commercially unavailable amino acid monomers as needed.
Provide guidance to Discovery Laboratory scientists in the chemical properties of lead compound assets.
Assist in developing relationships with external (academic and industrial) partners.
Provide leadership on technology transfer to the company Radiopharmaceutical Production group related to the chemical properties of lead compound assets.
Participate in recommendations on instrument acquisitions to management. Initiate purchase orders as needed.
Participate in recommendations on reagent purchases to management.
Assist in the preparation of patent materials for the protection of intellectual property developed within the company.
Assist in the preparation of presentation and publication materials to disseminate scientific findings.
Participate and provide feedback in the development and validation of analytical assays utilizing instrumentation such as: RP-HPLC, RP-HPLC-MS, and UV/Vis spectrophotometer.
Stay current with technological advancements in the fields of peptide chemistry and mass spectroscopy.
Assist with instrument maintenance and document corrective actions performed.
Maintain chemical inventory and prepare reagents.
Analyze experimental results and generate high-quality reports.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree plus seven years of relevant experience. Equivalent higher-level degree may substitute for experience (i.e., PhD or master’s degree in chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field).
Would prefer PhD with relevant research experience.
Experience interpreting in vitro and in vivo radiopharmaceutical study data to drive SAR campaigns to generate highly impactful theranostic radiopharmaceutical pipeline candidates.
Experience with preparation and documentation of reagents.
Experience with peptide chemistry and automated peptide synthesizers.
Experience with LC-MS instrumentation.
Experience with assay development and validation.

Knowledge / Skill / Ability

Willingness and ability to work with chemicals and radioisotopes in a safe manner.
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent ability to multitask and work to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Self-motivated and resourceful.
Ability to independently manage workflow to see projects through from start to completion.
Comfort with various computer operating systems and laboratory operational platforms.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be willing to work in a facility producing radioactive materials and requiring all employees to participate in safety programs designed to minimize potential and/or actual exposure levels.
Must be able to work outside of regular work hours, including off shift, weekend, and holiday work as business needs require.
May be required to sit or stand for long periods of 8 hours a day while performing duties.
Occasional kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, or reaching may be required.
Must possess good hand-eye coordination; close attention to detail is required.
Must be able to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to mechanical/moving parts, hazards including radioactive, corrosive, flammable and toxic material, dust, dirt, odors, and irritants.
Must be willing to wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eye and hearing protection, as needed.
Willingness to complete safety training within allotted timeframes, and work in a team-based environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

For information on Perspective Therapeutics, visit our website at: www.perspectivetherapeutics.com.

Perspective Therapeutics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Source : Perspective Therapeutics